The SDGs were adopted by the UN in 2015 as a call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all.
There are 17 goals in total, each with specific targets to be achieved by 2030.
Goal 1 is to end poverty in all its forms. Over 700 million people still live in extreme poverty, but progress has been made, and the number is declining.
Goal 2 aims to end hunger, achieve food security, and promote sustainable agriculture.
Goal 3 seeks to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of this goal, as healthcare systems worldwide have been tested.
Goal 4 is to provide inclusive and equitable quality education.
Goal 5 is to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. This is essential for sustainable development and is a human rights issue.
Goal 6 aims to ensure clean water and sanitation for all.
Goal 7 is to provide access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. This is vital for economic growth and development.
Goal 8 focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
Goal 9 aims to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation. This is crucial for economic development, job creation, and innovation.
Goal 10 focuses on reducing inequality within and among countries.
Goal 11 is to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. The world is becoming increasingly urbanized, and this goal is essential for sustainable development.
Goal 12 promotes responsible consumption and production.
Goal 13 addresses climate action, and it is one of the most pressing issues we face. The Earth's temperature is rising, and we must take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Goal 14 is to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.
Goal 15 focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably managing forests, combating desertification, halting and reversing land degradation, and biodiversity loss.
Goal 16 aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
Finally, Goal 17 is about partnerships for the goals.
Achieving the SDGs requires cooperation and collaboration between governments, civil society, the private sector, and individuals. We all have a role to play.
The SDGs offer a blueprint for creating a better world for all.
By working together and taking action, we can make progress towards achieving the goals and creating a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous world for future generations.